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So if AM band is a problem why doesn't the ABC promote the use of DAB+ digital radio in Capital cities instead of promoting the use of the phone to listen to the radio for which the telcos charge to listen?
The ABC DAB+ transmitters carry all its AM and FM programs eliminating the AM image.
Last year Norway switched off AM and FM for all but community broadcasters leaving DAB+ for all broadcasts. This has saved broadcasters a lot of money.
In regional areas why isn't the ABC following the Indian example where they have covered the whole country with Digital Radio Mondiale where the coverage areas are similar to AM radio but with good quality stereo sound. DRM uses 60 % less electricity than AM transmitters. The ABC already has 4 high power DRM capable transmitters and most sites have a standby transmitter which can be modified to transmit DRM.